Letting Your Property

The lettings process can be a confusing one, let us guide you through it.

Our useful lettings guide below is full of top tips and suggestions. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Give your property a ‘to let’ facelift.

First impressions are everything, and nowhere is this more evident than with potential tenants. Tenants may choose a property on the smallest – or biggest – of details.

Give the front door a lick of paint and make sure that the porch area is clean and clear of weeds and clutter. Ensure that the property has been properly (professionally) cleaned in the lead up to finding a new tenant. Invest in some air fresheners to make sure the property smells fresh and get a handyman to touch up any small bumps and bruises.

Appliances can make or break a tenancy agreement. If you hope to attract tenants that will respect your home, make sure all the appliances are kept in a respectable condition. White goods are tax deductible so there’s no excuse for ageing appliances.

If you are able to rectify any negatives about your property before entering into a tenancy agreement – do so. It is as much about countering any small losses in value as it is adding value. Small investments can go a very long way.

Value your property…accurately.

To get started weigh up all the positives and negatives about your property and consider what type of tenants you are trying to attract. What is the size and condition of the house? How good are the local amenities? Is it close to schools? What is the nightlife like? How good are the transport links? Is there a car parking space? A garden?

Next, try and determine the rental values of other properties in the local area that are similar to your own. This may give you some indication as to what a fair charge may be. This can be done by looking in estate agents, searching the Internet or asking a friend.

If you are unsure of how best to tie together the positives, negatives and potential tenants with a reasonable valuation for your property, contact us and we will be more than happy to use our in-depth lettings and local market knowledge to provide your property with an attainable rental valuation.

Call us on 0208 749 6060 or Request a Valuation here.

Check you are compliant with legal, utility and safety requirements.

As a landlord, it is crucial that you adhere to the various legal, safety and utility standards required of you as a rental property owner. These include fire and furnishings regulations, gas and safety regulations, an electrical safety certificate, HMO License and numerous other property and council-specific requirements.

One of our lettings agents can coordinate all these requirements for you, whether as a one off service or as a part of our property management package. We pride ourselves on seeking the best deals for our clients. We will source trusted contractors for you.

Did you know that it is nearly impossible to claim damages from a tenants deposit if you have failed to provide an independent inventory check-in and checkout report?

Market your property

24 hours after receiving your formal permission; we will begin advertising your property on the market - through the UK’s most popular housing networks including RightMove.

Our website, engaging ‘To Let’ boards, and central Shepherd’s Bush location all contribute to giving your property maximum exposure. Property booklets and our large applicant database will further enhance your property’s turnaround time and often leads to immediate interest from a potential tenant.

Our viewings flexibility and availability means we will not miss a chance to source a suitable tenant for your rental property.

Find the right tenant for your property

Securing the best tenants is as important as identifying your property’s optimum rental value - in both the short and long term.

Our lettings agents look for tenants with a strong credit rating and good references from previous landlords, to ensure your property is both cared and paid for each and every month.

Receive an offer

Once a rental offer has been made and holding deposit has been paid, we'll present you with offer and details of prospective tenants.

If the offer is accepted, we will then:

Confirm the tenant’s references by contacting their referees. • Provide the tenant with a custom tenancy agreement to sign and return to Austin D’arcy. • Request, collect and manage the first month’s rental payment.• Request, collect and manage a holding deposit from the incoming tenants. This includes, placing the deposit in the Deposit Protection Scheme - making deposit release more convenient when the tenancy concludes.

We are also very happy to arrange additional services for your property, including:

Once the money has been received and contracts signed by the tenants, we will hand over all the keys at an agreed time. We also transfer the utilities and council tax over to the names of the new tenants for our managed service clients.